FINAR604 GE: Real World

When art leaves your studio, big issues arise that go beyond your ideas about aesthetics, theory and craftsmanship. This course is a practical, discussion-based investigation of the ways in which artwork fares when it enters into the public, "professional" arena. This is intended to offer a realistic view of how various systems-of display, language, criticism, funding, publishing, etc-operate in the art world. Pragmatically, the course will include visits with gallerists, curators, working artists, publicists and funders. The course addresses practical skills, such as honing your means of speaking and writing about your own work, as well as developing realistic budgets for projects. Writing will also be generated around current local exhibitions. A number of readings and critical discussions will be focused around recent global shifts in the art world (international biennials, art fairs, etc) to acknowledge social and philosophical aspects of artistic practice. Along with a greater understanding of the art world and their place within it, students will finish the course with functional artist packets and finished funding applications - real world materials.